The modern pentathlon saw dramatic scenes on Friday. Annika Schleu, who had been the leader to date, was unable to control her horse in show jumping. Now she is also being accused of cruelty to animals.
So far, Annika Schleu has been running like clockwork at the Olympics: Before today she was in first place in the modern pentathlon and could justifiably hope for a medal. This dream has moved a long way off after riding. The 31-year-old was unable to properly control her drawn horse on Friday and had to end the show jumping in tears with zero points.
“Hit it right”: Allegations of cruelty to animals
For many viewers, the scenes in which Schleu tried to get her horse under control were shocking. Her trainer Kim Raisner stood behind the barriers and called to her, “Hit it right. Hit it right!” Schleu then hit the horse with his hand, and Kim Raisner hit the animal with his fist.
In a further section Schleu hits the horse with the whip shortly before an obstacle, the animal then shies away. The ARD commentator said of the scenes that it was “of course not good for animal welfare either”.
Disciplines in modern pentathlon
A total of 36 women fought for medals in Tokyo. In addition to fencing and swimming, the disciplines also include horse riding and the so-called laser run – a combined competition of running and shooting with a laser pistol.
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